IOSH calls for action on work-related traffic accidents

The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) has stated that work-related road traffic accidents should be reported by employers to help cut the number of people killed or injured while driving for work.



During Road Safety Week 2012 (18-25 November) IOSH urged the Government to include work-related road traffic accidents in the national accident reporting system, Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995 (RIDDOR).

According to latest provisional figures from the Department of Transport, in the year ending June 2012, 24,870 people are estimated to have been killed or seriously injured on the roads in the UK. In 2010 the Government estimated that 24 per cent of serious injuries, and 30 per cent of road deaths could be linked to work-related road traffic accidents.

Richard Jones, head of policy and public affairs at IOSH, said: “In our latest response to the RIDDOR consultation, we have again called for the Government to make serious injuries and deaths from work-related road traffic accidents reportable under RIDDOR.

“Employers have clear duties under health and safety legislation in this country to manage work-related health and safety risks, which will include their occupational road risks. Employers who do not ensure employees can drive safely for work are as much at fault as those who don't ensure employees can use workplace machinery safely.”

Mr Jones added: “It's vital employers manage their occupational road risks just as they would any other health and safety risks, through good planning and by implementing sensible, proportionate precautions. As well as preventing enormous human suffering, it also makes good business sense.”